The information on this page, in conjunction with the eCalendar links provided, will help you plan your first year course selection as a Freshman (U0) student in the Bachelor of Arts & Science.
On this page:
B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) requirements
General recommendations to guide your course selection
Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selection
Approved Arts courses for B.A. & Sc Freshman (U0) students
Preparing for medical school applications
Taking courses outside the Faculties of Arts and Science
Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)
| Note regarding transfer credits and exemptions |
|---|
| If you have completed advanced-level courses (such as CEGEP, IB, APs, French Baccalaureate or A-Levels), you may be granted transfer credits and exemptions from one or more of the Freshman (U0) course requirements. If you expect to receive transfer credit and exemption for a Freshman course, you should not register for that course. If you have not already calculated your transfer credits and exemptions, it is recommended that you do so before reading further. |
B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) requirements
Students who need 97-120 credits to complete their degree requirements will normally be registered in the Freshman (U0) Program. In your first year, you will select your courses based on the requirements outlined in the eCalendar.
eCalendar: B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) Program requirements
The B.A. & Sc. Freshman program provides a reasonably broad background in basic sciences and enables you to explore some disciplines in Arts.
Though you will not declare your program (Major/Minor/Honours/Interfaculty) in your first year, you are encouraged to reflect on your own academic orientation so that your first year course selection will prepare you for the programs in Arts and Science that interest you. You may wish to consult with Program advisors to gain a better understanding of the programs you are considering declaring.
Some programs require specific Freshman (U0) courses as prerequisites - please ensure that you consult the the program-specific recommendations below.
NOTE: The B.A. & Sc. freshman program consists of a Science component (two math and three science courses) and an Arts component (three Arts courses). Courses taken for the Freshman (U0) program cannot also be counted in any other program. There is no double counting of courses in the B.A. & Sc. degree.
Course and credit load
The normal course load is 15 credits (4-5 courses) per term for a total of approximately 30 credits (8-10 courses) per year.
Some basic science courses are worth 4 credits - this means that taking 4 courses can still add up to 30 or more credits for the year. You may wish to take only 4 courses in order to avoid being overloaded. If this is the first time you are studying in English, we strongly recommend that you take only 4 courses during your first term.
The credit rating of a course reflects the number of weekly contact hours. In general, a three-credit course indicates three hours of lectures per week for one term. Laboratory contact hours usually count for fewer credits. Credits also reflect the amount of effort required of the student and generally assume two hours of personal study for each contact hour. A typical semester full load is 15 credits, although 12 credits or more is considered full time.
Keep the following regulations in mind:
- 12 credits per term to maintain full-time status, eligibility for student visas, loans and bursaries;
- Up to 14 credits (4 courses) maximum per term for students in probationary standing;
- Up to 17 credits per term for students in satisfactory standing;
- 27 graded (non-S/U) credits per academic year (both the fall and winter terms) to be considered for renewal of entrance scholarships or for in-course McGill scholarships or awards, including Dean's Honour List; at least 27 graded credits that fulfill the degree requirements to be considered for faculty scholarships; 30 graded credits per year to maintain Canada scholarships;
- Maximum allowed credits is up to 17 credits per term for students whose standing is Satisfactory or Interim Satisfactory.
- Students whose CGPA is 3.5 or higher and who wish to take a course overload of up to a maximum of 19 credits are required to fill out an online request form and are strongly urged to consult their advisor. Allow several working days for the processing of your request. Note: Students in their first semester are not allowed to request a credit overload.
General recommendations to guide your course selection
Arts introductory courses
You are required to complete at least three Arts courses chosen from two of the following three categories: Social Sciences, Humanities, and Languages. A maximum of two courses may be selected from one category, and no more than two courses from any one department. These courses are selected from the list of approved subjects (found in the eCalendar, under the Freshman requirements in "ARTS"). Courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science are not used towards this requirement.
Biology courses
Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences
It is recommended that you complete both BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology and BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology in your Freshman (U0) year. However, the crucial course is BIOL 112, as it is the prerequisite for higher level courses in the Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences programs.
Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences
If you intend to pursue a departmental program in the physical sciences you do not need to take BIOL 111 or BIOL 112.
Psychology
If you plan to pursue a program in psychology, you should complete BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology and PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology in your freshman year. As our psychology program is quite science oriented, knowledge of the concepts covered in BIOL 112 will help you in subsequent psychology courses.
Chemistry courses
It is recommended that you complete both CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 in your freshman year because these courses are prerequisites for CHEM 212 Intro Organic Chemistry 1 . These courses are prerequisites for higher level courses in both Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences, as well as in Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences.
Mathematics courses (Calculus)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics currently offers 3 calculus streams, one for students with no previous background in calculus and two for students with a high school background in calculus: the regular stream and the accelerated stream.
| Courses | Target students |
|---|---|
|
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus (4 cr)
and MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr) |
For students with no high school calculus or who do not have a full course of high school calculus (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). |
|
MATH 140 Calculus 1 (3 cr)
and MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr) |
For students with a full course of high school calculus (MATH 140 has 3 hours of lectures and a 1-hour compulsory tutorial; MATH 141 has 3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). |
|
MATH 150 Calculus A (4 cr)
and MATH 151 Calculus B (4 cr) |
For students with a full course of high school calculus and who enjoyed it and did well in all their high school science courses (minimum of A- in high school calculus) (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). |
Both the MATH 139 and 141 and the MATH 140 and 141 streams cover Calculus I and Calculus II, whereas the MATH 150 and 151 stream covers Calculus I, II and III (this stream is a possible option for students planning to enter a program for which Calculus III [MATH 222] is compulsory). The MATH 139 and MATH 141 stream or the MATH 140 and MATH 141 stream are both suitable prerequisites for Calculus III.
Advanced Standing: If you have been granted advanced standing (credit and exemption) for Calculus I or Alpha (either MATH 139 or 140), you have the option of registering for MATH 141 in either the fall or winter term. You may also choose the MATH 150 and 151 stream.
Physics courses
There are two streams of physics:
| Courses | Target students |
|---|---|
| PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics and PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism |
For students with no high school physics or who are weak in physics. This stream is adequate preparation for the biological science programs but not for the physical science programs. |
| PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics |
For students with high school physics and a solid background in mathematics. Note that calculus is required as a corequisite. This stream provides very good preparation for the biological or physical sciences programs. |
Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences
The normal physics requirement for students who intend to pursue a program in the physical sciences is PHYS 131 and PHYS 142; you must complete this requirement in your freshman year. These physics courses require a solid background in high school mathematics and physics.
Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences
If you intend to pursue a Major Concentration in Biology, you should complete PHYS 101 or 131 and 102 or 142 in your freshman year. Knowledge of these courses will facilitate your understanding of the material in the U1 courses in this program, as well as being prerequisites for future course requirements.
Geography students have the option of completing either stream of physics.
Students with an exemption for PHYS 101 and 102 who intend to follow a physical science program may take PHYS 142 for credit.
Deficient in High School Physics or Mathematics and Intending to pursue a program in the Physical Sciences
If you are concerned about your ability to handle PHYS 131 in your first term, you have two choices:
You may initially register in PHYS 101 in your freshman year. At the end of the first term, you may request permission from the Director of Advising Services, Science to register in PHYS 142 in the second term. In order to obtain permission for this change, you should have completed the fall term with strong grades in physics and in your other subjects.
You may prefer to complete PHYS 101 and PHYS 102 during your freshman year. You will then need to consult with your future physical science department to determine whether or not you will be admitted to their program. Their decision will depend on your grades in physics and in your other courses.
Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selection
Students interested in the following programs are advised to select their Freshman (U0) courses in accordance with recommendations outlined below:
Biology
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus A
MATH 151 Calculus B or
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and GeometryPlease note that PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics and PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism are prerequisites for some of the 200 and 300-level Biology courses. See the Course Catalog for details.
Notes: The maximum number of courses per term is five.
Chemistry
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus A
MATH 151 Calculus B
PHYS 131 Mechanics and WavesNotes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
It is recommended that you take MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 and MATH 133 because they are all prerequisites for the U1 courses in Chemistry.
Cognitive Science
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus BPSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology Foundational science Foundational Science Arts course Arts course Arts course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
If you are interested in the Computer Science stream, you should take MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry and COMP 202 Foundations of Programming.
If you are interested in the Linguistics stream, you should take LING 201 Introduction to Linguistics.
If you are interested in the Neuroscience stream, you should take CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1, CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2, PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics, and PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism. These would be in place of the Arts courses indicated above; you would complete your freshman Arts requirement in subsequent years.
NOTE: No course can count for more than one program, whether that is the Freshman, Interfaculty or Minor program.
Students interested in Cognitive Science should contact ryan.bouma [at] mcgill.ca (Ryan Bouma), the Program advisor.
Computer Science
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus A
MATH 151 Calculus BNotes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
It is recommended that you take all three Math courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151, and MATH 133 in your freshman year because they are prerequisites for U1 courses in Computer. COMP 202 can be taken in U1. If you have advanced standing credits and/or exemptions for the B.A. & Sc. freshman Program requirements you can take COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in your freshman year.
Earth, Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus BPHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics or
PHYS 131 Mechanics and WavesPHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism or
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & OpticsCHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 Arts Course Arts Course Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
Students should follow the PHYS 131, 142 stream of Physics.
If you have advanced standing and/or exemptions for some of the B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) Program requirements, we recommend that you take ESYS 104 The Earth System during your Freshman year.
Environment
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus B or
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and GeometryPHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics or
PHYS 131 Mechanics and WavesArts Course CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 Arts Course BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
If you have advanced standing and/or exemptions for some of the B.A. & Sc. freshman Program requirements, it is recommended that you take ESYS 104 The Earth System in your freshman year. Also, we recommend that you take BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology if you are planning to take higher level Biology courses.
Geography
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics or
PHYS 131 Mechanics and WavesArts Course CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 Arts Course BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
If you have advanced standing and/or exemptions for some of the B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) Program requirements we recommend that you take GEOG 272 Earth\'s Changing Surface during your Freshman year.
Mathematics
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus BFoundational Science MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry Foundational Science Foundational Science Arts Course Arts Course Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
You should take the three Math courses listed above as they are prerequisites for U1 courses offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Physics
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus BPHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics Foundational Science MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry Arts Course Arts Course Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
It is recommended that you take the three Math courses listed above as they are prerequisites for U1 courses in Physics.
Psychology
In your Freshman year, you should take the following courses:
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus or
MATH 140 Calculus 1 or
MATH 150 Calculus AMATH 141 Calculus 2 or
MATH 151 Calculus B or
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and GeometryPSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 Foundational Science Arts Course Arts Course Arts Course Notes:
The maximum number of courses per term is five.
Approved Arts courses for B.A. & Sc. Freshman (U0) students
As a Freshman (U0) B.A. & Sc. student, you may select your Arts courses from those listed below. These are suggestions only.
Note: Courses on this list may not be offered in every term. Reminder: all courses have limited enrolment.
Social Sciences
Note: If you intend to follow a Psychology program, you should not register in SOCI-216 (Social Psychology). PSYC-215 (Social Psychology) is more appropriate. Credit will not be given for both courses.
| Program | Suggested courses |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | ANTH 201 Prehistoric Archaeology ANTH 202 Socio-Cultural Anthropology ANTH 203 Human Evolution ANTH 204 Anthropology of Meaning ANTH 205 course description not available ANTH 206 Environment and Culture ANTH 207 Ethnography Through Film ANTH 208 Evolutionary Anthropology ANTH 209 Anthropology of Religion ANTH 212 Anthropology of Development ANTH 222 Legal Anthropology ANTH 227 Medical Anthropology |
| Economics | ECON 199 FYS: Aspects of Globalization ECON 205 An Intro to Political Economy ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis&Applic ECON 209 Macroeconomic Analysis&Applic ECON 219 Current Econ Problems:Topics ECON 223 Pol Economy of Trade Policy ECON 225 Economics of the Environment |
| History | HIST 194 FYS: Jewish Concepts of Others HIST 195 FYS: Sources of World History HIST 197 FYS: Race in Latin America HIST 198 FYS:Nation Bldg&Nationalism HIST 199 FYS: History HIST 200 Intro to African History HIST 201 Modern African History HIST 202 Survey: Canada to 1867 HIST 203 Survey:Canada since 1867 HIST 204 course description not available HIST 205 Ancient Mediterranean History HIST 206 Indian Ocean World History HIST 207 Jewish History:400 BCE to 1000 HIST 208 Intro to East Asian History HIST 211 American History to 1865 HIST 212 Medieval Europe HIST 213 World History, 600-2000 HIST 214 Early Modern Europe HIST 215 Modern Europe HIST 216 Intro to Russian History HIST 218 Modern East Asian History HIST 219 Jewish History: 1000-2000 HIST 221 United States since 1865 HIST 225 course description not available HIST 226 E Central &SE Europe in 20th C HIST 236 course description not available HIST 249 Health&the Healer in West Hist |
| Linguistics | LING 200 Intro to the Study of Language LING 201 Introduction to Linguistics |
| Political Science | POLI 211 course description not available POLI 212 Gov\'t&Politics-Developed World POLI 221 Government of Canada POLI 222 Political Proc&Behav in Canada POLI 226 La vie politique québécoise POLI 227 Developing Areas/Introduction POLI 231 Intro to Political Theory POLI 232 Modern Political Thought POLI 243 Intl Poltcs of Econ Relations POLI 244 Intl Politics: State Behaviour |
| Sociology | SOCI 210 Sociological Perspectives SOCI 211 Sociological Inquiry SOCI 219 Sociology of Culture SOCI 222 Urban Sociology SOCI 225 Medicine&Health in Mod Society SOCI 230 Sociology of Ethnic Relations SOCI 234 Population & Society SOCI 235 Technology and Society SOCI 247 Family & Modern Society SOCI 250 Social Problems SOCI 254 Development&Underdevelopment SOCI 270 Sociology of Gender |
Humanities (Literature and Civilization)
Note: Some of the courses listed below are not suitable for first term as they require university level prerequisites. Please check the Calendar course entries for further information about appropriate background before registering.
| Programs | Suggested courses |
|---|---|
| Art History | ARTH 204 Intro to Medieval Art & Arch ARTH 205 Introduction to Modern Art ARTH 207 Intro Early Mod. Art 1400-1700 ARTH 209 Intro to Ancient Art and Arch ARTH 215 Introduction to East Asian Art ARTH 223 Intro Ital Renai Art 1300-1500 |
| Classics | CLAS 203 Greek Mythology CLAS 208 course description not available CLAS 309 course description not available CLAS 311 course description not available CLAS 313 course description not available CLAS 314 course description not available |
| East Asian Studies | EAST 211 Intro:East Asian Culture:China EAST 212 Intro:East Asian Culture:Japan EAST 213 Intro:East Asian Culture:Korea EAST 214 course description not available EAST 215 Introduction to East Asian Art EAST 216 course description not available EAST 351 Women Writers of China EAST 353 Approaches to Chinese Cinema EAST 354 course description not available EAST 356 Modern & Contemp. Chinese Art EAST 362 Japanese Cinema EAST 363 Early and Medieval Japan EAST 364 Mass Culture & Postwar Japan EAST 370 History of Sexuality in Japan EAST 385 Global Korea EAST 390 The Chinese Family in History |
| English | ENGL 199 FYS: Form and Representation ENGL 200 Survey of English Literature 1 ENGL 201 Survey of English Lit 2 ENGL 204 English Literature & the Bible ENGL 215 Intro to Shakespeare ENGL 225 American Literature 1 ENGL 226 American Literature 2 ENGL 228 Canadian Literature 1 ENGL 229 Canadian Literature 2 ENGL 237 Intro to Study of a Lit Form ENGL 279 Introduction to Film as Art ENGL 280 Intro to Film as Mass Medium |
| French Language & Literature | FREN 199 FYS: Littérature française FREN 250 Litt française avant 1800 FREN 251 Litt française depuis 1800 |
| German Studies | GERM 197 FYS: Images of Otherness GERM 259 Intro to German Literature 1 GERM 260 Intro to German Literature 2 |
| Hispanic Studies | HISP 225 Hispanic Civilization 1 HISP 226 Hispanic Civilization 2 HISP 241 Survey of Spanish Lit&Cult 1 HISP 242 Survey of Spanish Lit & Cult 2 HISP 243 Survey of Lat Amer Lit&Cult1 HISP 244 Survey of Lat Amer Lit&Cult2 |
| Italian Studies | ITAL 199 FYS:Italy\'s Lit in Context ITAL 300 course description not available ITAL 311 course description not available ITAL 320 course description not available ITAL 327 course description not available ITAL 328 course description not available ITAL 330 course description not available ITAL 355 Dante and the Middle Ages ITAL 361 Modern Italian Literature ITAL 365 The Italian Renaissance ITAL 374 Classics of Italian Cinema ITAL 375 Cinema&Society in Modern Italy |
| Jewish Studies | JWST 199 FYS:Images-Jewish Identities JWST 201 Jewish Law JWST 206 Intro to Yiddish Literature JWST 211 Jewish St 1: Biblical Period JWST 217 Jewish St 3: 1000 to 2000 JWST 225 Literature and Society JWST 240 The Holocaust JWST 252 Interdisciplinary Lectures JWST 254 The Jewish Holy Days JWST 261 Hist of Jewish Phil & Thought |
| Philosophy | PHIL 200 Intro to Philosophy 1 PHIL 201 Intro to Philosophy 2 PHIL 210 Intro to Deductive Logic 1 PHIL 220 course description not available PHIL 221 Intro to Hist & Phil of Sci 2 PHIL 230 Intro to Moral Philosophy 1 PHIL 237 Contemporary Moral Issues PHIL 240 Political Philosophy 1 PHIL 242 Intro to Feminist Theory |
| Religious Studies | RELG 201 Religions:Ancient Near East RELG 202 Religion of Ancient Israel RELG 203 Bible and Western Culture RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity&Islam RELG 207 Intro to Study of Religions RELG 210 Jesus of Nazareth RELG 232 course description not available RELG 252 Hinduism & Buddhism RELG 253 Religions of East Asia RELG 256 Women in Judaism and Islam RELG 270 Religious Ethics & the Environ RELG 271 Religion and Sexuality |
| Russian & Slavic Studies | RUSS 217 Russia\'s Eternal Questions RUSS 218 Russian Lit and Revolution RUSS 219 course description not available RUSS 223 Russian 19c: Literary Giants 1 RUSS 224 Russian 19c. Literary Giants 2 |
| Women Studies | WMST 200 course description not available |
Languages
Note: In this category you may take courses to acquire or to improve your language skills. A placement test may be necessary and approval from the department may be required.
| Programs | Suggested courses |
|---|---|
| Classics | CLAS 210 Introductory Latin 1 CLAS 212 Introductory Latin 2 CLAS 220D1 course description not available CLAS 230D1 Introductory Modern Greek |
| East Asian Studies | EAST 220D1 First Level Korean EAST 230D1 First Level Chinese EAST 240D1 First Level Japanese EAST 320 Second Level Korean EAST 330 Second Level Chinese EAST 340 Second Level Japanese |
| English as a Second Language | ESLN 200 course description not available ESLN 300 course description not available ESLN 400 course description not available ESLN 500 course description not available |
| French Language & Literature | FREN 199 FYS: Littérature française FREN 201 Le français littéraire (FLS) FREN 203 Analyse de textes (FLS) FREN 231 Linguistique française FREN 239 Stylistique comparée FREN 245 Grammaire normative |
| French as a Second Language | FRSL 101D1 course description not available FRSL 105 Intensive Beginners French FRSL 206 Elementary French FRSL 207D1 Elementary French 01 FRSL 208 Intensive Elementary French FRSL 211D1 Oral and Written French 1 FRSL 212 Oral & Written French 1 FRSL 215 Oral&Writ French 1-Intensive FRSL 216 Découvrons Mtl en français |
| German Studies | GERM 200 German Lang Intens Beginners GERM 202D1 German Language, Beginners |
| Hispanic Studies | HISP 202D1 course description not available HISP 204D1 course description not available HISP 210D1 Spanish Language:Beginners HISP 218 Spanish Lang Intens-Elem HISP 219 Spanish Lang Intens-Intermed HISP 220D1 Spanish Language:Intermediate |
| Islamic Studies | ISLA 521D1 Introductory Arabic ISLA 522D1 Lower Intermediate Arabic ISLA 532D1 Introductory Turkish ISLA 533D1 Lower Intermediate Turkish ISLA 541D1 Introductory Persian ISLA 542D1 Lower Intermediate Persian ISLA 551D1 Introductory Urdu-Hindi ISLA 552D1 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi |
| Italian Studies | ITAL 205D1 Italian for Beginners ITAL 206 Beginners Italian Intensive ITAL 210D1 Italian for Adv. Beginners ITAL 215D1 Intermediate Italian ITAL 216 Intermediate Italian Intensive |
| Jewish Studies | JWST 200 course description not available JWST 220D1 Introductory Hebrew JWST 280D1 course description not available |
| Religious Studies | RELG 257D1 Introductory Sanskrit RELG 264 Introductory Tibetan 1 RELG 265 Introductory Tibetan 2 RELG 280D1 course description not available |
| Russian & Slavic Studies | RUSS 210 Elementary Russian Language 1 RUSS 211 Elementary Russian Language 2 RUSS 215 Elem Russian Lang Intensive 1 RUSS 255D1 course description not available |
Preparing for medical school applications
Students who wish to leave open the option of applying to medical school should be aware that they can select any of the Science majors (not just the biological or life science ones). Medical schools are looking for a diverse applicant pool and ALL Science programs provide ample room to include medical school prerequisite courses. Students perform best when they select a major in which they are interested and engaged. Choosing the appropriate major can also leave many options open, not just medical school.
Students should review the prerequisite courses required for the medical schools they are considering to ensure that they complete all of the required basic science courses during their undergraduate degree. However, not all such courses need to be completed in the Freshman year. Students are encouraged to select the Freshman courses that best prepare them for their future disciplines of study.
In addition, students should be aware of other constraints on their undergraduate studies imposed by medical school admissions. For example, some medical schools will not allow courses to be taken under the S/U option, and some medical schools require a minimum credit and/or course load per term. Medical schools vary in their prerequisite requirements but in general it is recommended that interested students complete both one full year of biology and one full year of chemistry during their Freshman year. Specific admission requirements for all Canadian medical schools can be found at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada homepage (under Publications).
Taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science
You may choose courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as elective courses. Please consult the list of approved and restricted courses and your Faculty advisor in order to determine which courses are permitted for credit.
These courses may not be used as Arts elective courses.
Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)
What are FIGs?
- A FIG comprises approximately 25 newly admitted B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students.
- Only newly admitted freshman (U0) students can register for a FIG on Minerva.
- FIGs are led by a member of the SOUSA office and an upper-year student.
- The FIGs meets for one hour, normally once every two weeks, during the fall semester only.
- FIGS 196 is a non-credit activity, does not cost anything, and does not appear on your McGill transcript.
What are the advantages of attending a FIG?
- Interact in an informal setting with advisers, guest speakers and other students.
- Explore topics not normally discussed in the regular classroom setting, ranging from careers in Science to the structure of universities.
- Introduce discussion topics of special interest to you.
- Be better informed regarding programs and research opportunities.
What topics might be discussed in a FIG?
- Choosing Academic Programs: myths and facts
- Exchanges and Travel Opportunities
- Research opportunities
- How to study more effectively and time management
- Professional schools
- Careers in Science (and related fields)
- Part time jobs/volunteer work
- Internships and field studies
- Extracurricular activities on campus
How to register for a FIG
Register for one of the sections of FIGS 196 on Minerva.
Postponing one of your Freshman (U0) courses
If it is necessary to postpone one of your freshman courses, depending on your intended program, it may be possible to take the course at McGill during the summer session. Also, it may be helpful to know that you are permitted to take summer courses at another university and have the credits and exemption(s) transferred to your McGill degree. Please consult Study Away for more information regarding study away permission/approval for summer courses and the course equivalency system for more information regarding exemptions from McGill courses.